How to Germinate Hostas

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Ideal plants for shady locations, hostas (Hosta spp.) grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Typically propagated from division, you can also propagate hostas from seed. Because most hosta seeds do not form plants that replicate their parents, it's best to purchase hybrid seeds from a seed dealer. Like most plants, you can germinate hosta seeds indoors, but they can easily be sown directly into the garden in late winter or spring, eliminating the need for artificial light and transplanting at a later date.

1

Store hosta seeds until planting time in a cool, dry location or in your refrigerator. Plan to sow them in the garden when daytime temperatures reach 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 50 F at night.

2

Till the soil about 8 inches deep and incorporate 3 or 4 inches of organic matter, such as compost, to create a seed bed that is rich, of medium texture and well-drained. Choose an area with partial to full shade, ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade.

3

Sow one seed every 6 to 12 inches in the garden bed, and lightly cover with soil. You'll need to thin out plants after the seedlings grow, keeping the healthiest plants spaced about 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the cultivar.

4

Moisten the soil with water and keep it moist until germination, which can take a couple of weeks or as long as three months.

About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.